Maliska, the Winchendon resident and former Murdock High star, was all for it.

“I said I’ll play wherever you need me — I’ll play safety if you want me to, but I probably won’t be the best at backpedaling,” the 6-foot-4, 300-pound Maliska said.

Maliska had taken only about a week’s worth of reps at right guard before HC’s opener against New Hampshire, so he didn’t get on the field on offense in that one, but, in tonight’s game at Harvard, Maliska will make his second straight start at right guard — and at his usual defensive tackle spot.

“I think it’s just amazing,” Gilmore said. “The two positions are just so demanding. He never played (guard) and in a matter of three weeks, we got him ready where he’s played significantly the last two weeks. He’s a true two-way player.”

Maliska played the entire game on offense last week against Dartmouth and three defensive series. Overall this season, he’s played 105 snaps at guard, 39 at defensive tackle and 12 on special teams.

Gilmore said he needs to monitor Maliska’s total reps, but the Crusaders will have to stop Harvard’s potent rushing attack, so Maliska will likely see more time on defense tonight.

“I’ll play as many snaps on either side as we need,” Maliska said. “You just have to balance it out so I’m not completely dead in the fourth quarter.”

Starting left tackle Kyle Pedretty (knee) remains out and there has been plenty of shuffling at the other positions along the offensive line. In addition to the shifting up front, the Crusaders are also breaking in a new quarterback. Sophomore Ryan Laughlin made his first career start against Dartmouth and completed 21 of 30 attempts for 106 yards. HC scored on its first two possessions, but stalled the rest of the game.

“Ryan’s a talented young quarterback,” Gilmore said. “He’s just inexperienced. We’re not limited in what we can run with him, it’s just a matter of getting him the experience.”

Maliska, who was flagged for two false-start penalties in last week’s game, is still learning his position, but he’s doing it quickly.

“I’ve picked up the offense and playing offensive line is very mental,” he said. “Being able to help out the team as much as I can is a real honor and being able to learn more about the game has been great.”

Maliska divides his practice and preparation time equally between offense and defense.

In 2011, Maliska started all 11 games at defensive tackle and totaled 35 tackles and two sacks.

“Offense has been great just because it’s been different,” Maliska said, “and any time you do something new it’s fun. Defense feels more natural, but I’m not partial to either side.”

HC is 0-3 for the first time since 2004, Gilmore’s first year, and faces a huge challenge against the Crimson.

The Crusaders beat Harvard in its 2011 opener and the Crimson have since won 11 straight.

Senior running back Treavor Scales is averaging 154.5 rushing yards in two games (wins over San Diego and Brown), senior quarterback Colton Chapple has completed 67 percent of his passes for 560 yards and three touchdowns and senior tight end Kyle Juszczyk has a team-high 12 receptions for 140 yards and a TD. Senior linebacker Bobby Schneider has a team-high 18 tackles, a sack and two pass breakups.

Last week’s Old Dominion-UNH shootout was quite the spectacle.

ODU sophomore quarterback Taylor Heinicke set an NCAA Division 1 record with 730 — 730! — passing yards, threw five touchdowns and broke a bunch of other FCS and school records as the Monarchs scored 26 points in the fourth quarter to beat the Wildcats, 64-61. The teams combined for 195 offensive plays and 1,749 yards.

“I probably would have enjoyed it a little more if I was on the offensive side,” said ODU defensive run game coordinator/linebackers coach Corey Hetherman of Oxford, “but Taylor’s performance was unbelievable.”

Hetherman took some satisfaction in the fact that ODU allowed only seven fourth-quarter points and sealed the victory with an interception.

The Monarchs are 4-0 and moved up to No. 4 in this week’s FCS Top 25.

Hetherman, who was a star quarterback at Oxford High and Fitchburg State, is in his third season at Old Dominion. He was previously on the staffs at WNEC, Northeastern and Springfield.

“I love it here,” he said. “I love the area and I love the school. It’s a place that’s very into its athletic programs. It’s been great.”

During his first two years at Old Dominion, Hetherman coached the rovers and worked under current Holy Cross defensive coordinator Andy Rondeau. He was promoted to his current position before the start of this season.

This weekend college coaches around the country will take part in Coaches to Cure MD, a charity project of the American Football Coaches Association. To show their support, members of the Holy Cross coaching staff will wear a Coach to Cure MD logo patch during tonight’s game, and WPI and Nichols coaches will do the same tomorrow.

Coach to Cure MD raises awareness and research funding for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most prolific genetic killer diagnosed in childhood. Fans can donate to the fund online at CoachtoCureMD.org or by texting the word “CURE” to 90999 (a $5 donation will automatically be added to your next phone bill and standard text message rates apply).

Assumption junior defensive back Mike Uva was named Northeast-10 Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. In the second quarter of last week’s game against Stonehill, Uva blocked a punt that led to a touchdown, which gave the Greyhounds a 14-13 halftime lead. In the second half, Uva forced and recovered a fumble during a kick return. He added one special teams tackle.